Court Set to Rule on NNPCL’s Objection in Dangote Refinery Legal Battle

A court is set to deliver its ruling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) objection to the ongoing lawsuit filed by Dangote Refinery, a case that could impact Nigeria’s oil sector.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 18 for a ruling on Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) preliminary objection to a lawsuit brought by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE regarding an oil import license dispute.

Justice Ekwo scheduled the date following presentations and process adoptions by Ademola Abimbola, SAN, representing NNPCL, and John Ibrahim, SAN, representing Dangote Refinery.

Justice Ekwo scheduled the hearing of NNPCL’s preliminary objection for Wednesday, following Ibrahim’s statement in court that they had not yet filed their response to the application.

At the resumed hearing, Abimbola informed the court that the session was intended for addressing their objection and stated that they were prepared to proceed.

Ibrahim mentioned that they had submitted their counter affidavit against the objection and stated he was prepared to proceed with their application as well.

In presenting the application, Abimbola stated that their preliminary objection notice, submitted on November 15, 2024, requested either the dismissal of the suit due to lack of jurisdiction or alternatively sought an order to remove the company’s name from the case.

He mentioned that both an affidavit and a written address were provided to support the application.

The lawyer stated that after receiving the refinery’s counter affidavit, they submitted an additional affidavit on February 3 in response, along with a reply focusing on points of law.

He requested the court to either dismiss the lawsuit or remove NNPCL from it.

In response, Ibrahim mentioned that a counter affidavit consisting of five paragraphs was filed along with a written address on January 31.

He embraced the processes and recommended that the court reject NNPCL’s preliminary objection, deeming it unnecessary.

After hearing from both parties, Justice Inyang Ekwo postponed the case until March 18 for a ruling.